Common Name: Red Hook Silver Dollar
Scientific Name: Myloplus rubripinnis
Other Names: Red Hook, Silver Dollar Fish, Red Hook Metynnis
The Red Hook Silver Dollar is a large and visually striking freshwater fish known for its bright red anal fin that resembles a hook, contrasting with its silver, disc-shaped body. This species is popular among aquarists due to its peaceful nature and schooling behavior.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Red Hook Silver Dollar is native to the river systems of South America, particularly the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers. They are typically found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and floodplains with sandy or muddy substrates and plenty of aquatic vegetation.
Size and Lifespan:
In both the wild and captivity, Red Hook Silver Dollars can grow up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in length. With proper care, their lifespan can range from 10 to 15 years, depending on the quality of their diet and water conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
Red Hook Silver Dollars are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant matter in their natural habitat, but they may also consume small invertebrates. In an aquarium, their diet should include high-quality vegetable-based pellets, spirulina tablets, and fresh vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and peas. They may also accept flake foods and occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp. These fish are known for their peaceful and social behavior, often schooling in groups. They are active swimmers and thrive in groups of at least five to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Red Hook Silver Dollars in captivity is possible but can be challenging. They are egg scatterers, with females laying eggs on submerged plants or other surfaces. To encourage breeding, provide a spacious tank with plenty of plants or spawning mops, maintain optimal water conditions with regular water changes, and feed a varied diet to enhance their health and breeding readiness. Successful breeding typically requires slightly acidic to neutral water conditions.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Due to their size and active nature, Red Hook Silver Dollars require a large aquarium, with a minimum of 75-100 gallons recommended for a group of adults. The tank should have a soft, sandy or fine gravel substrate and include plenty of plants, driftwood, and rocks to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintaining water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Red Hook Silver Dollars are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish that share similar water parameter requirements. Suitable tank mates include tetras, rasboras, peaceful cichlids, and other medium to large-sized community fish. Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species that may cause stress or injury.
Difficulty Level:
Beginner to Intermediate. Red Hook Silver Dollars are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for aquarists with some experience. Their peaceful nature and schooling behavior make them a great addition to large community tanks.
Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
• Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-6 dKH
• Ammonia: 0 ppm (ideal)
• Nitrite: 0 ppm (ideal)
• Nitrate: <20 ppm (ideal)
